The plant in Binzhou produces transportation filtration materials and currently employs 170 people. Ahlstrom has acquired the plant from Purico Group. The deal was announced earlier this month.According to Ahlstrom's CEO, Jan Lång, the acquisition plays a significant role in Ahlstrom's growth strategy in Asia."In addition to Ahlstrom´s strong footprint in Europe and the Americas, we have lately started to establish a solid manufacturing platform in Asia as well. Ahlstrom´s strengthened presence in China will also help us to better serve our global customers based in the area, increase our market share and build a platform for further growth in the region," Jan Lång says."As China is among the world's fastest growing major economies and the industry of filtration media for transportation is growing at an annual rate of over ten oercent, the market in the country is expected to grow significantly in the coming years," Jan Lång adds.In addition to the Binzhou plant, Ahlstrom has three other manufacturing sites in Asia - Hyun Poong, South Korea, Mundra, India, and Wuxi, China.